Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a perfect balance of crunchy nuts, rich chocolate, and a touch of sea salt. They make a delicious, homemade snack that’s easy to prepare and satisfyingly flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups unsalted nuts of choice (we use 3/4 cup cashews, 3/4 cup peanuts, and 1 cup almonds)
• 1/2 cup puffed rice
• 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• Optional: flaky salt for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325˚F (160˚C).
2. Step 2: Spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for 5-8 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. Step 3: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts with the puffed rice and toss to mix evenly.
5. Step 5: Place the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds to loosen it. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until combined. Pour this mixture over the nut and puffed rice mix, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and firmly press it into an even layer.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 30 minutes, then place on a cutting board. Cut the slab in half lengthwise, then each half into 5-6 thin bars. Let bars cool completely.
8. Step 8: Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until fully melted.
9. Step 9: Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then set on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the tops with remaining melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky salt if using. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite nuts to customize the flavor and texture.
• Brown rice syrup can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• For a nut-free version, replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• If you prefer, drizzle the chocolate only on top instead of dipping the bars for a lighter coating.

Storage

Store the nut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow bars to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate depending on your preference, though dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the salty nuts.

What can I do if I don’t have brown rice syrup?

You can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar in equal amounts to bind the bars effectively.

Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 148 reviews

These Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Nut Bars are a delightful treat combining toasted nuts, puffed rice, and a touch of brown rice syrup for sweetness, all topped with rich dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these bars offer a satisfying crunch and balanced flavors with a homemade touch.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Nuts and Dry Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cashews
• 3/4 cup peanuts
• 1 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup puffed rice

Wet Ingredients & Flavorings

• 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• Optional: flaky salt for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C) to prepare for toasting the nuts.
2. Toast Nuts: Spread the mixed nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned, enhancing their flavor.
3. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
4. Mix Nuts and Puffed Rice: In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts and puffed rice, tossing to distribute evenly.
5. Warm Syrup and Add Flavor: Microwave the brown rice syrup in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds to loosen it. Whisk in the vanilla extract and sea salt until smooth, then pour this mixture over the nut and puffed rice mix, stirring to evenly coat all ingredients.
6. Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press firmly into an even layer to form the base of the bars.
7. Bake the Bars: Bake the pressed mixture for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for approximately 30 minutes so it sets firmly.
8. Cut Bars: Once cooled, transfer the slab to a cutting board and cut lengthwise in half, then cut each half into 5-6 thin bars. Allow these to cool completely to maintain shape.
9. Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
10. Coat and Decorate Bars: Dip the bottom of each bar into the melted chocolate, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the tops of each bar and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
11. Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is fully set. Once firm, the bars are ready to enjoy!

Notes

• You can substitute nuts based on preference or dietary needs, but keep total volume consistent.
• Brown rice syrup helps bind the ingredients; honey or maple syrup can be used as alternatives but may alter flavor and texture.
• Make sure to cool bars completely before coating with chocolate to ensure better chocolate adhesion.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness.
• For a vegan version, verify the dark chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Keywords: dark chocolate, sea salt, nut bars, healthy snack, homemade bars, toasted nuts, puffed rice, chocolate dip, easy snack recipes